PSI - Issue 77

Available online at www.sciencedirect.com Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2026) 000 – 000 Available online at www.sciencedirect.com ScienceDirect Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2026) 000 – 000 ScienceDirect

www.elsevier.com/locate/procedia

www.elsevier.com/locate/procedia

ScienceDirect

Procedia Structural Integrity 77 (2026) 365–375

© 2026 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of ICSI organizers © 2026 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of ICSI organizers The comprehensive findings from this study emphasise the technical and economic viability of FRP composites, underscoring their resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, superior mechanical performance, and long-term sustainability. These insights underscore the potential of fibre-reinforced composites as a pivotal solution for the next generation of pipeline technology, advancing the structural integrity of pipelines and supporting the transition to a hydrogen-based energy system. © 2026 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of ICSI organizers Abstract The demand for advanced pipeline materials has increased in response to the growing need for sustainable, durable, and structurally resilient solutions in the transportation of energy and resources, in particular high-pressurized gaseous hydrogen. Whilst traditional steel pipelines are widely utilised, they are susceptible to hydrogen-induced corrosion, which compromises their structural integrity, efficiency, and lifespan. Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) composites present a transformative alternative, offering exceptional resistance to corrosion, enhanced mechanical properties, and adaptability for various pipeline applications. The present study investigates the potential of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites to replace steel in the construction of hydrogen transport pipelines, with a particular focus on structural integrity in the context of gaseous hydrogen transport. Research conducted at the Institute for Textile Technology (ITA) at RWTH Aachen University addresses crucial aspects of FRP pipeline development with an emphasis on structural performance. The subjects encompassed material characterisation for the purpose of determining hydrogen permeation rates and evaluating barrier properties, in addition to advances in process technology for scalable and efficient production utilising multifilament winding techniques. Moreover, the research evaluates connection technologies to ensure secure and reliable pipeline assembly, as well as life cycle analyses to quantify the environmental and economic benefits of FRP pipelines compared to traditional steel systems. The comprehensive findings from this study emphasise the technical and economic viability of FRP composites, underscoring their resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, superior mechanical performance, and long-term sustainability. These insights underscore the potential of fibre-reinforced composites as a pivotal solution for the next generation of pipeline technology, advancing the structural integrity of pipelines and supporting the transition to a hydrogen-based energy system. Abstract The demand for advanced pipeline materials has increased in response to the growing need for sustainable, durable, and structurally resilient solutions in the transportation of energy and resources, in particular high-pressurized gaseous hydrogen. Whilst traditional steel pipelines are widely utilised, they are susceptible to hydrogen-induced corrosion, which compromises their structural integrity, efficiency, and lifespan. Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) composites present a transformative alternative, offering exceptional resistance to corrosion, enhanced mechanical properties, and adaptability for various pipeline applications. The present study investigates the potential of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites to replace steel in the construction of hydrogen transport pipelines, with a particular focus on structural integrity in the context of gaseous hydrogen transport. Research conducted at the Institute for Textile Technology (ITA) at RWTH Aachen University addresses crucial aspects of FRP pipeline development with an emphasis on structural performance. The subjects encompassed material characterisation for the purpose of determining hydrogen permeation rates and evaluating barrier properties, in addition to advances in process technology for scalable and efficient production utilising multifilament winding techniques. Moreover, the research evaluates connection technologies to ensure secure and reliable pipeline assembly, as well as life cycle analyses to quantify the environmental and economic benefits of FRP pipelines compared to traditional steel systems. International Conference on Structural Integrity Advancing Structural integrity in Hydrogen Transport – The role of fibre-reinforced composites materials in pipeline Technology Niels Grigat a , Ben Vollbrecht a , Fabian Jung a , Marcus Welsh a , Dr. Kumar Jois a International Conference on Structural Integrity Advancing Structural integrity in Hydrogen Transport – The role of fibre-reinforced composites materials in pipeline Technology Niels Grigat a , Ben Vollbrecht a , Fabian Jung a , Marcus Welsh a , Dr. Kumar Jois a a RWTH Aachen University, Institute for textile technology, Otto-Blumenthal-Str. 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany a RWTH Aachen University, Institute for textile technology, Otto-Blumenthal-Str. 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany

Keywords: Composite Pipelines, Hydrogen induced embrittlement, Material characterization

Keywords: Composite Pipelines, Hydrogen induced embrittlement, Material characterization

2452-3216 © 2026 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of ICSI organizers 2452-3216 © 2026 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of ICSI organizers

2452-3216 © 2026 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of ICSI organizers 10.1016/j.prostr.2026.01.047

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